In a recent LinkedIn post, Ann Smarty discusses the concerning trend of AI-generated content, specifically ChatGPT, being used by established journalists without proper source attribution. Smarty highlights how this practice can lead to misattributed sources and questionable reporting credibility.
The Perils of AI-Generated Content in Journalism
Ann Smarty expressed dismay at witnessing a journalist from a highly trusted publication utilizing paragraphs from ChatGPT, complete with its unedited UTM parameters. This observation, according to Smarty, points to a significant issue within modern digital reporting.
“Watching a well-established journalist at a HIGHLY trusted publication grabbing paragraphs from ChatGPT (and leaving its UTMs) is the saddest thing :(“
As Ann Smarty elaborates, the immediate consequence of this practice is the citation of incorrect or non-original sources. ChatGPT is known for its propensity to misattribute information, leading to a cascade of inaccuracies.
Questionable Credibility and Misattribution
Smarty argues that when reporters rely on AI-generated text without verifying the underlying sources, the integrity of their reporting is undermined. This is particularly true when the AI pulls from low-quality syndications rather than the original study or data.
“The cited URL is not even the original study (ChatGPT is notorious for mis-attributing sources)”
Furthermore, Ann Smarty points out the implications for digital PR agencies. Their role, she suggests, is evolving beyond merely securing citations for client assets. It now includes the crucial task of meticulously tracking ongoing citations and brand mentions to ensure proper attribution to the original clients, rather than to erroneous AI-generated content or its poor-quality aggregations.
“Now our job as a data-driven digital PR agency is not only creating great assets that get cited by top publications but also TRACKING the ongoing citations and brand mentions to ensure these studies are properly attributed to our clients, and not some crappy syndications.”
The Future Threat of AI to Source Authenticity
Ann Smarty voices a concern that the reliance on AI could eventually obscure the original sources of information altogether. As AI models become more integrated into content creation workflows, particularly within high-authority publications, the original data and its creators risk becoming unfindable.
“Before you know it, ChatGPT will eat this too because, again, this publication is one of the highest-authority ones in its niche. Before you know it, the source of the data will be unfindable.”
Smarty’s insights underscore the growing need for vigilance in verifying information and ensuring that AI tools are used responsibly in journalistic and content creation processes. The emphasis on accurate attribution and source tracking is becoming paramount in maintaining the credibility of digital content.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Ann Smarty on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on April 7, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →